Maxtor Corporation

Jerry Coffey

Scott D Abrahamson

A pivot bearing for an actuator assembly of a disk drive includes a first stationary member, a second pivoting member, and a third flexible member interconnecting the first and second members. The first stationary member is secured preferably between the base and top cover of the drive, while the second pivotal member is secured to the actuator. The second pivoting member rotates about the stationary member, and the third flexible member bends in response to the pivoting action of the second member. Rolling contact occurs between bearing surfaces of the first and second members. Overall bearing stiffness is increased with use of the bearing, and particularly radial stiffness. Increased bearing stiffness enhances system mode frequency and thereby improves bandwidth capability for a disk drive.

Band pivot bearing

A micro-flexure is provided for achieving secondary actuation in an actuator of a disk drive. The micro-flexure is a separate element which attaches to a standard flexure. A slider mounts to the micro-flexure. Piezoelectric elements attach to the micro-flexure to provide the motive force for displacing the micro-flexure during secondary actuation. The secondary actuation is thereby achieved by isolating movement at the slider.

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Longmont, CO, United States of America

Jerry Coffey